Rotary Project WALK: 17 Years of Changing Lives

Rotary Project WALK (Wishes of Aid and Limbs for Kids), now known as WALK NOW CENTER INC., has been a life-changing initiative for 17 years. This long-standing project is the initiative of Rotary Club of Forbes Park (D3850), in partnership with the Rotary Club Metro Kalibo (D3850).

The core mission of Project WALK is to enhance mobility and improve the quality of life for individuals with limb loss or mobility impairments, empowering them to become productive members of society. This is achieved by providing prosthetic limbs, orthotic devices, and other assistive devices like walker, stainless steel, cane or wheelchair.

Key aspects of the project include:

* Mobility Focus: Directly addressing mobility challenges to enable greater independence.

* Long-Term Commitment: Offering sustained support, rehabilitation, and follow-up care to recipients.

* Community Involvement: Collaborating with local communities, LGUs, and healthcare providers to ensure the project's sustainability.

Project WALK has made a significant impact, transforming countless lives. It has provided over 400 individuals with endoskeletal prosthetics (new and repaired) and at least 1,000 with Jaipur limbs through their WALK VAN in Mindanao.

Over the years, Rotary Project WALK has been fortunate to gain new strategic partners like Tzu Chi Foundation, Physicians For Peace, UERM, UP-PGH, and other Rotary Clubs in other districts, plus institutions.

On July 26, we fitted 19 amputees in Aklan, hosted by Infant Jesus Academy Kalibo and Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo, and 5 amputees in Iloilo City, hosted by Rotary Club of Iloilo South led by Pres. Elsie Locsin, and Rotary Club of Dumangas, led by Pres. Aileen Hermo, in D3850, respectively.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Ms. Rodyzza Vachell Z. De la Banda, a Physical Therapist from Aklan Provincial Health Office. Her invaluable effort and contribution in discussing the proper care for amputees with prosthetic legs ensures that our recipients receive comprehensive care, going beyond just providing them with mobility.

WALK NOW Founding President Atty. Ed Escano and Rotary Club of Forbes Park President Ronald Cillo were hands on the ground, with RC Metro Kalibo Pres. Nora Helber & team, including other partners like, LGU Kalibo, Petrowind Energy, Inc., StrongHerFitness (Las Vegas USA), Rotaract and Interact clubs of Metro Kalibo, plus media partners, Kalibo Cable TV Network and Love Radio. We truly appreciate everyone's collaborative assistance. Happy WALK @17.